FDC assails WEF for 'neo liberal' agenda

By Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - A protest action against the World Economic Forum (WEF) went off without a hitch Friday morning as police allowed protesters from the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) to stage a short program at Arnaiz Avenue.

Police stopped the group from marching towards the venue of the WEF in Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

Earlier, policemen also managed to stop a jeepney carrying protesters who were coming near the protest assembly point.

The FDC burned an effigy symbolizing what they described as corporate greed, calling the forum as "World Exploiters' Forum."

Sanlakas political affairs coordinator Rasti Delizo said that the forum would only advance the interests of the elite without addressing poverty, inequality, joblessness, and needs like education and health.

Protesters numbered to around 30-40, according to police estimate.

The program lasted for less than an hour with the protester voluntarily dispersing.